Is the 'C' word the most insulting/offensive word in the English language?

[Withano]

It genuinely doesn't phase me much at all, I could probably list ten words or more that I find more offensive

[Smithy]

No, it’s a word, grow up

[Lostie!]

Nope, there's plenty worse things to say

[Vicky.]

I don't find it offensive, but it does seem most other people do. So I would say its probably one of the worst. I find the use of it pretty satisfying when the person is really pissing me off, so i guess that in itself says how strong a word it is tbh. I do find it a bit..misogynistic how one of the most offensive words is a slag term for womens bits mind, but I still do use it myself so :laugh:

[RileyH]

I use it all the time

[Amy Jade]

Depends a lot on context aswell in my opinion.

Like if you walked up to someone in the street and called them, for instance, a 'stupid ****' that would be incredibly offensive to most.

But if you were hiding around a corner to jump scare someone and after they shouted the same that wouldn't be offensive.

[bots]

it is a word with an extreme amount of venom attached to it. In the correct context it leaves no doubt in the recipients mind how they are viewed. No other swear word has that same association as far as i am aware.

[JerseyWins]

C u next tuesday :joker:

But no there's more offensive words, particularly racist/homophobic slurs etc.

The n word with a hard r has to be the worst though.

[Withano]

Depends a lot on context aswell in my opinion.

Like if you walked up to someone in the street and called them, for instance, a 'stupid ****' that would be incredibly offensive to most.

But if you were hiding around a corner to jump scare someone and after they shouted the same that wouldn't be offensive.

Yeh, I just think there are 10+ words that would be more offensive in both of those examples, so I do wonder why this particular word gets such a strong reaction. Maybe thats just me though.

[JerseyWins]

Context does matter a lot though but that's the case with every insulting/swear word.

[user104658]

Not in Scotland, its in daily common usage :joker:

[Firewire]

It's not that bad

[TomC]

It's pretty offensive, like it really grates on the ears, but my fellow white friend saying the N word the other week offended me far more.

[bots]

C u next tuesday :joker:

But no there's more offensive words, particularly racist/homophobic slurs etc.

The n word with a hard r has to be the worst though.

but .. if you use a slur and top it off with that word it amplifies it 100 fold :laugh:

[Jason.]

It's so overused nowadays that the word has lost its power. Even I use it, both in a joking way or if I happen to not like someone.

I've never understood why people are more sensitive towards it than your usual profanity and act as if it's in the same league as a racial slur.

[Jamie89]

Depends a lot on context aswell in my opinion.

Like if you walked up to someone in the street and called them, for instance, a 'stupid ****' that would be incredibly offensive to most.

But if you were hiding around a corner to jump scare someone and after they shouted the same that wouldn't be offensive.

This. I think it's all about context. I can't think of any words that offend me based on the words themselves except the n word but that's pretty unique in it's connotations. I wouldn't use the c word around people I didn't know or if I knew they found it offensive though. It's like the word f*g, me and other gay friends use it around each other fairly often in a jokey way but a lot of gay people find it extremely offensive so you have to be aware of that really if you're around people you don't know.

Objectively though I'd say it's one of the most offensive.

[smudgie]

Up there with the worst.

[Jamie89]

Also, relating to the thread that was closed because of it, I think if it's used in comedy it shouldn't be seen in the same way as if it's used in everyday life.

[Daniel.]

No I use her

[Daniel.]

Shell invented it

[Marches]

Words have as much value as u assign to them

Bless pc culture

[Jason.]

Shell invented it

:joker:

[Jamie89]

It's horrible when you hear young kids say it though

[LukeB]

It's horrible when you hear young kids say it though

they say more than **** these days :worry:

they use the N word and talk about raping their sister or friend :worry: :eyes:

[Ammi]

It's horrible when you hear young kids say it though

...it’s very funny when you see them write it, though...misspelling ‘can’t’...(...especially in the context of some/certain sentences as well...)...

[Ramsay]

I find dickhead more offensive

[Jamie89]

they say more than **** these days :worry:

they use the N word and talk about raping their sister or friend :worry: :eyes:

Omg :omgno: next time I hear a young kid using the c word I'll be grateful then in that case :laugh:

...it’s very funny when you see them write it, though...misspelling ‘can’t’...(...especially in the context of some/certain sentences as well...)...

I bet it is :joker:

[Jason.]

It's horrible when you hear young kids say it though

they say more than **** these days :worry:

they use the N word and talk about raping their sister or friend :worry: :eyes:

I've heard more casual homophobia and racism than I have people using **** in the school I work in.

[Withano]

I wasnt expecting the poll results to look like that tbh

[montblanc]

no bc it's kween Kayleigh's favorite word :love:

[Withano]

Words have as much value as u assign to them

Bless pc culture

Yeah political correctness was all over the place in the late 1800's

[Jason.]

no bc it's kween Kayleigh's favorite word :love:

She's a textbook example of one too. :smug:

[montblanc]

She's a textbook example of one too. :smug:

:nono:

[RileyH]

She's a textbook example of one too. :smug:

:joker:

[y.winter]

...it’s very funny when you see them write it, though...misspelling ‘can’t’...(...especially in the context of some/certain sentences as well...)...

As a non-British person, I find myself questioning if I pronounce "can't" without sounding offensive. :laugh: I remember the other day I had an unfortunate incident with pronouncing "beach" - very delicate nuances :fist:

[Matthew.]

in glasgow, most people use it all the time

[caprimint]

I didn't vote on the basis of my personal opinion. It's only a word but it's technically seen as one of the worst.

[Shaun]

As an insult, sure, but it's certainly not something I refrain from saying in the same vein as, say, the N word, the F word (rhymes with maggot) or the P word (rhymes with tacky).

I also hate any swear word coming from a child... the number of people I know who swear freely in front of their children :umm2:

[AnnieK]

I don't find it offensive but I know plenty of people who do. I suppose context is key, but I'm not easily offended with words.

A friend of mine hates the word prick and gets really offended by that but most people find that fairly tame in comparison

[ethanjames]

no not really idk why people get so offended about it
theres so many worse words like homophobic/racist slurs

[JerseyWins]

The poll was tough for me to vote in but I'm not sure how to make it easier either. :think: It's kinda a little of both "one of the worst offensive words" and "not really up there with the worst" ... it's like equally on par with a lot of words for me that are high up there as pretty bad words (depending on context) but still not as bad as a FEW other words someone could use.

[MTVN]

I always consider it the worst swear word but that's in comparison to f___ and s____ etc, wasn't really thinking about some of the extreme racist/bigoted insults that are more offensive

[MTVN]

I do think it's used too freely though given that its also a sexist term even though it's not often used as that

[Alf]

All words are beautiful.

[bots]

in glasgow, most people use it all the time

its context, in some places in Glasgow, it's nearly a term of endearment :laugh:

[Withano]

All words are beautiful.

Moist

[DemolitionRed]

Moist

Moist as in smegma!!

[DemolitionRed]

Its all about the context. Txhe C word doesn't bother me when its used in conversation about someone. If someone said to me, my boss is a real 'c' that's fine. It would offend me if someone called me a 'c' and I guess that's why I've been known to use it on the odd occasion to offend someone.

The word that begins with f and ends with ch is probably one of the more nasty names to call someone.

[Withano]

The word that begins with f and ends with ch is probably one of the more nasty names to call someone.

Why do I have no idea what this is

[jaxie]

One of the worst words and unclassy. Then again I don't swear a lot n the whole. Not for any moral reason really just that I think it's smarter to be able to have a disagreement without resorting to swearing.

[Vicky.]

Why do I have no idea what this is

All I can think that fits that is felch. But never heard tht as an insult and not even sure its a word :suspect:

[Withano]

All I can think that fits that is felch. But never heard tht as an insult and not even sure its a word :suspect:

Urban dictionary has made the word 'felch' vile haha, but i dont know how it can be used as an insult. My other research on urban dictionary has left me to conclude its either this, fire crotch, falcon punch, or a typo :suspect:

[Vicky.]

Urban dictionary has made the word 'felch' vile haha, but i dont know how it can be used as an insult. My other research on urban dictionary has left me to conclude its either this, fire crotch, falcon punch, or a typo :suspect:

:D

I am wondering if its maybe meant to be bitch...

[Withano]

:D

I am wondering if its maybe meant to be bitch...

Oh haha. Probably.

[DemolitionRed]

All I can think that fits that is felch. But never heard tht as an insult and not even sure its a word :suspect:

Its something I've heard, teens using in a really derogatory way. I've also heard my own kids using the word 'scab' to describe someone they don't like. I believe that word came from the old picket lines and its a horrible word that's more recently lost its old meaning for something else :conf:

[Alf]

MoistWhich is what happens to the C word when in the company of Alf.

[DemolitionRed]

Urban dictionary has made the word 'felch' vile haha, but i dont know how it can be used as an insult. My other research on urban dictionary has left me to conclude its either this, fire crotch, falcon punch, or a typo :suspect:

'Felcher' used against someone who is thought to be a slut.

[Withano]

'Felcher' used against someone who is thought to be a slut.

Ohh, I've not heard that one before.. I can see why you find it worse than the C word

[JerseyWins]

Which is what happens to the C word when in the company of Alf.
:joker:

[Maru]

When I first heard the word, it was used almost solely by misogynists to describe women (not me) to describe them in a derogatory manner and I remember how that made some friends feel... so, not my favorite word.

I notice in the UK, the men use it to describe other men? I only hear teens use that word to describe people and it's very rare to hear an adult use it here. Americans like to add a lot of descriptions behind our insults. Skanky *ss ***** for example. But the longer the turn of phrase, the better. So we usually have a few favorites we stick to. Using the most vulgar word you know is the "cheap" route and not very inventive...

[Alf]

Jodie Foster had a smelly one in Silence of the Lambs


"Hello Clarice"

[waterhog]

its even funnier when they draw it :joker:

[Blue cat]

What about moist ?

[Tom4784]

It's one of my favourite words, I use it frequently.

I think it's dumb to get upset over it, it's no worse than any other expletive or common insult in my eyes.

[-Sue-]

Awful word hate hearing it instantly the person that uses this word looses my respect..

[Brillopad]

No, it’s a word, grow up

I would say the same to those using it. It isn’t clever and not a good look.

[Brillopad]

It's one of my favourite words, I use it frequently.

I think it's dumb to get upset over it, it's no worse than any other expletive or common insult in my eyes.

It’s a nasty word with a hateful message. Not a feminist word at all and full of unpleasant connotations. Not one I would be proud to use.

[Withano]

It’s a nasty word with a hateful message. Not a feminist word at all and full of unpleasant connotations. Not one I would be proud to use.

I thought it literally meant 'you are a woman's genitals'. Am I missing something, what is the hateful message full of unpleasant connotations? There are way worse unless theres a second meaning.

[Brillopad]

I thought it literally meant 'you are a woman's genitals'. Am I missing something, what is the hateful message full of unpleasant connotations? There are way worse unless theres a second meaning.

‘A degrogatory word for a woman’ hence why most women don’t like it.

Funny how there are so many insulting words about female bits used by many men - a message there I think. Of course some men using it will try to deny it. To be expected :rolleyes:

[AnnieK]

‘A degrogatory word for a woman’ hence why most women don’t like it.

Funny how there are so many insulting words about female bits used by many men - a message there I think. Of course some men using it will try to deny it. To be expected :rolleyes:

To be fair though brillo, there are just as many about male genitals - dick, cock, knob, prick etc etc. I think the c word is offensive to some as it can be spat with real venom, due to the hard letter sounds.

[Brillopad]

To be fair though brillo, there are just as many about male genitals - dick, cock, knob, prick etc etc. I think the c word is offensive to some as it can be spat with real venom, due to the hard letter sounds.

Maybe - but somehow they don’t seem to have the same power behind them. Those words are nowhere near as offensive to most.

[Livia]

Whether I find the word insulting or not is purely in the context of how it's used.

[Withano]

‘A degrogatory word for a woman’ hence why most women don’t like it.

Funny how there are so many insulting words about female bits used by many men - a message there I think. Of course some men using it will try to deny it. To be expected :rolleyes:

Its not at all gender specific though (anymore) men get called it all the time..

[Brillopad]

Its not at all gender specific though (anymore) men get called it all the time..

Men may get called it sometimes but the meaning behind the word is directed at women and links a woman”s bits, and therefore women, to a blatant insult. The implication is most definitely anti-women and meant as the ultimate insult.

Now if the ultimate insult was linked to men in the same way there would be an outcry as indeed there is with similar derogatory words linked to homosexuals and other minority groups.

But somehow anything linked to women in this way doesn’t stir up the same emotional response from many and is indeed used by those that defend every other type of group and the first to scream ‘foul’ when such words or innuendo are directed at any other group. It beggars the question - WHY! Doublestands and agendas very quickly comes to mind.

[Withano]

Men may get called it sometimes but the meaning behind the word is directed at women and links a woman”s bits, and therefore women, to a blatant insult. The implication is most definitely anti-women and meant as the ultimate insult.

Now if the ultimate insult was linked to men in the same way there would be an outcry as indeed there is with similar derogatory words linked to homosexuals and other minority groups.

But somehow anything linked to women in this way doesn’t stir up the same emotional response from many and is indeed used by those that defend every other type of group and the first to scream ‘foul’ when such words or innuendo are directed at any other group. It beggars the question - WHY! Doublestands and agendas very quickly comes to mind.

I mean thanks for the perspective, I did ask for yours and this explains your issue with the word pretty well..
I just dont see the word the same way you do, and I dont think many others do either anymore.. but that is why I asked the question.. to see where people stand with it today..
meanings of words change over time, and I'd say this is true of that word. I too would find it more of an insult if it was always aimed at a certain demographic, but because it seems to get aimed at anybody who pisses anybody off at any time now, and usually, for the simple reason of 'they were pissing me off' (not sexism like you implied) it doesnt phase me much.

[bots]

Men may get called it sometimes but the meaning behind the word is directed at women and links a woman”s bits, and therefore women, to a blatant insult. The implication is most definitely anti-women and meant as the ultimate insult.

Now if the ultimate insult was linked to men in the same way there would be an outcry as indeed there is with similar derogatory words linked to homosexuals and other minority groups.

But somehow anything linked to women in this way doesn’t stir up the same emotional response from many and is indeed used by those that defend every other type of group and the first to scream ‘foul’ when such words or innuendo are directed at any other group. It beggars the question - WHY! Doublestands and agendas very quickly comes to mind.

well, women use terms referring to the male genitalia all the time :laugh:

I've never used the C word toward a woman, i strictly reserve it for men

[DemolitionRed]

In nautical terms the c word is a name for a type of rope splice. Its also used to be used a '*******line' (the space between the bilges of two casks, stowed side by side. Where one cask is set upon the 'c')

Its a word that was used by Shakespeare in 'Hamlet' and 'The twelfth night'

[user104658]

Men may get called it sometimes but the meaning behind the word is directed at women and links a woman”s bits, and therefore women, to a blatant insult. The implication is most definitely anti-women and meant as the ultimate insult.

Now if the ultimate insult was linked to men in the same way there would be an outcry as indeed there is with similar derogatory words linked to homosexuals and other minority groups.

But somehow anything linked to women in this way doesn’t stir up the same emotional response from many and is indeed used by those that defend every other type of group and the first to scream ‘foul’ when such words or innuendo are directed at any other group. It beggars the question - WHY! Doublestands and agendas very quickly comes to mind.Yes, it's very unequal, men are lucky that no one ever calls anyone a knob, d*ck, c*ck, pr*ck, ballsack (bawbag for those of us north of the border :hee: ) etc.

What would we do if that started happening :worry:


The part that IS actually sexist in a way is that its considered worse than those insults... Like it's worse to be a ***** than a d*ck, apparently. Well. Most places. Like I said; Scotland is clearly very progressive because I wouldn't say its considered any worse here, "what a daft *****" and "what a daft knob" are pretty much interchangeable up here.

[Tom4784]

It’s a nasty word with a hateful message. Not a feminist word at all and full of unpleasant connotations. Not one I would be proud to use.

I hope you never go to Australia then :laugh:

It's not any different from twat really but people are fine with that being said.

[user104658]

Apparently TiBB's autocensors think it's worse though. :joker:

[Crimson Dynamo]

Absolutely the worst and shame on anyone who uses it (mainly to show off to friends)

[Livia]

I like the c word for shock value if I'm angry... people don't expect the word to come out of my mouth. Also, I like the word when it's used humorously, that's a finer line, of course... There's nothing wrong with swearing, so long as the person has a decent vocabulary, it can be very creative.

[Withano]

Apparently TiBB's autocensors think it's worse though. :joker:

The tibb censor is so inconsistent! Apparently sh-it is well up there with the worst words.

[Brillopad]

I hope you never go to Australia then :laugh:

It's not any different from twat really but people are fine with that being said.

If true, I will find that out for myself very soon.

[Jamie89]

To be fair though brillo, there are just as many about male genitals - dick, cock, knob, prick etc etc. I think the c word is offensive to some as it can be spat with real venom, due to the hard letter sounds.

I think that's probably very true, there's a few other words that mean the same thing as the c word that wouldn't be considered nearly as offensive so it can't be solely down to it's literal meaning.

[Babayaro.]

Not in Scotland, its in daily common usage :joker:

This

[user104658]

Absolutely the worst and shame on anyone who uses it (mainly to show off to friends)LT's high school nickname confirmed.

[Crimson Dynamo]

LT's high school nickname confirmed.

we used to play a game in the 70 called hunt the cnt as it goes

it was just a more elaborate game of hide and seek

[Withano]

we used to play a game in the 70 called hunt the cnt as it goes

it was just a more elaborate game of hide and seek

Absolutely the worst and shame on anyone who uses it (mainly to show off to friends)

:think:

[bots]

we used to play a game in the 70 called hunt the cnt as it goes

it was just a more elaborate game of hide and seek

its friendly name was hunt the queen (of hearts) if its the same game i know :laugh:

[Livia]

its friendly name was hunt the queen (of hearts) if its the same game i know :laugh:

We used to call it Chase the Lady. Cos I'm nice.

Thinking about it, it was only after I'd played Hunt the ****, that I realised it was the same game.

[GoldHeart]

I use to think it was , but compared to personal insults or more nasty words etc it just doesn't seem as offensive .

But I think it's still an unpleasant word and it's over used alot , I still laugh if a horrible person is called that word though :hehe: .